Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The Best Thing We've Done All Summer

Every morning, the two biggest kids come down at 7 on-the-dot and kiss our cheeks. Sometimes Ruby pets my hair. Then they stomp out (why can't kids just walk?) and play with Legos and Polly Pockets for the next half hour or so, while Siley snoozes and I contemplate getting on with my day.

Once both of my eyes are mostly open, I call them back in and we read.

This is a new thing for us. It's been a couple of weeks, but I'm addicted.

One of them opens in prayer and one of them closes. They usually argue about it a little.

In between prayers, I read just one little section. 5 or 6 verses. I read it as-is, except for when I come to something like "You Adulterers!" Because Calvin would totally ask.

Right now, we're in James.

I love hearing their take on words they've never heard and the overall themes.

It gives us something to focus on for the day. It kind of sets the tone. There are days that it just doesn't happen, but when it does, it's the best part of the day. The sleepy eyes and bed-head. The light so low in the room that if Calvin shifts around too much (he always does) the shadows he casts make it difficult to read. We haven't ramped up too much for the day yet. Our hearts are still a little quiet. (As is the house, since Silas is still asleep.)

Today we read, "For the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy." Mercy they knew, tenderness, not so much. ???

Later in the day I spoke on the phone to Pastor Tom from church. When I hung up, Calvin chimed in from the back seat, "Pastor Tom is always happy. And full of tenderness."

If Pastor Tom doesn't follow, Shannan, please print this out and hand it to him, on Sunday. Because--if my eyes well up, and my heart feels full, at Calvin's words (and I don't even KNOW you crazy people)--Pastor Tom's in for a tremendous blessing!!!

Does Calvin think I'm full of tenderness? Those are great pics Shabs. My first thought - before I realized you meant reading the Bible and all was - yes, this is the best thing they've done all summer, just cause they haven't been here yet. Aaron wants to babysit, and wants to know when Silas is coming so he can hide all the handwriting utensils.

I agree completely with Cal, he described Pastor Tom to a "T". He really does have some special insight into people. And River petting your hair, what can I say?? Thank you for being the best Mommy to my babies. Let me know when you start hitting the heavy words like, brood of vipers, gaits of hell, and of course, adulterers. Because I just know there will be some really great stories coming.

That warmed my heart like nothing else.Thank you for being that kind of Mama. Thanks for reminding me. Tomorrow I have court so I am leaving at 6. I am going to read the Bible with the kids before bed though. I want my babies to know what a tender heart is too.

I grew up listening to Charlton Heston read the bible to us two chapers a night via book on tape.I like your idea! Way to start off the day! With Jesus by your side!!!Bless You in puttin' on the armor!Rebecca

We do something similar at the breakfast table and having their little mouths full of food keeps them quiet long enough to read the Proverb of the day or a page from the Jesus Calling devotional book (we think the kids version is better than the adults!)

I'm glad to see my kids aren't the only ones that wear heavy fleece pj's in the heat of summer.

I LOVE IT!! Wonderful idea! We do kiddie devotions (and unfortunately not everyday) but I love the thought of reading pure, raw scripture. I'm gonna do it. I'll get back with ya.

P.S. Thinking about you and praying for you this week! You have SO many people who believe in you and I am definitely one of them! Uh oh, you're going to look at the time of this posting and realize that I am up at 2am. Got to get to bed before hubby realizes I'm up too! :-) xo

so beautiful, you reading daily with them. precious times! my dad always read...with no excerpts. he is quite the master of answering the questions about adulterers etc:) i am not looking forward to explaining any of that to elijah:)

I'm somewhat of a new reader but haven't said "hello" yet. So, hello. :) love your blog and had to thank you for sharing this simple, yet so meaningful idea. We homeschool and always start our day with reading the Bible and prayer...but it's generally after chores and we're in the school room. So, the past few days I've been trying out your idea of just having the kids come to my bed (where I haven't gotten up yet) and we read a few verses, pray together and sometimes read the next chapter in our read aloud book. it has been LOVELY. I just love it. so thanks again.